Are you looking for where to stay on Moloka’i? Keep scrolling for my honest Hotel Moloka’i review so you can decide if it’s one of the best hotels in Moloka’i for your upcoming Moloka’i vacation.
This honest Hotel Molokai review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for a place to stay on Molokai?
Let me tell you about my experience at Hotel Molokai, the island’s only true hotel.
I stayed there back in May 2022 with my mom, and I’m already planning my next trip back with my husband and kids.
Here’s everything you need to know about Hotel Molokai so you can decide if it’s right for your family.
Can You Actually Stay on Molokai?
Yes! But here’s the thing about Molokai accommodations: most of what you’ll find are vacation rentals, condos, cottages, and bed and breakfasts. There aren’t any big resorts like you see on Maui or Oahu.
Hotel Molokai is literally the only traditional hotel on the island. That’s it. And honestly? That’s part of what makes Molokai so special. Check the latest rates and availability.
How Long Should You Plan for Molokai?
If you’re island hopping from Maui or Oahu, I’d say plan for at least 2-3 days on Molokai. You’ll get a good feel for the island’s pace and see the highlights.
But if Molokai is your main destination, give yourself 5-7 days. Trust me, once you experience how quiet and peaceful it is here, you’ll want that extra time to just breathe and soak it all in.
Want help planning your whole Hawaii trip? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can map out your perfect island itinerary together.
Where is Hotel Molokai?
Hotel Molokai sits right on Kamiloloa Beach in central Molokai, about 15 minutes from the airport. The address is 1300 Kamehameha V Highway in Kaunakakai.
It’s in a perfect spot next to Hawaii’s only barrier reef, which is pretty cool if you think about it.
Getting There: Do You Need a Rental Car?
Yes, absolutely. There’s no airport shuttle, so you’ll need to either rent a car or book a taxi through Molokai Taxi.
I always book my rental cars through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they work with all the major companies and usually have the best rates. For Molokai specifically, you really want to book early because inventory is limited.
My Honest Hotel Molokai Review
The Room
Our room was small but really well laid out. We had two double beds, a little flat-screen TV with a DVD player (yes, they still have those!), and an open closet with an iron and ironing board.
The coolest part? There’s a sliding wooden door that opens to reveal a tiny kitchenette and the bathroom.
The kitchenette has a couple burners, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a small sink. Perfect for making coffee in the morning or heating up leftovers.
The bathroom was simple but had everything we needed: shower, tub, toilet, and sink. Everything was clean and functional.
Now, I want to be real with you about something. This isn’t a fancy resort. Things definitely show their age from being in a tropical climate for years. We had some mosquitos and ants in our room during our stay.
But you know what? That didn’t bother me at all. I knew what I was getting into, and honestly, it just felt like authentic island life.
Hotel Molokai has several different room types, so check availability on Expedia or Booking.com to find what works best for your family.
About the Restaurant (Important Update)
When I stayed in May 2022, the on-site restaurant was called Hiro’s Ohana Grill, and it was absolutely incredible.
The oceanfront setting was stunning (I mean, you could literally throw a fork into the ocean from your table), and the food was really good.
I had this amazing seafood pasta special loaded with shrimp, scallops, and lobster in the best sauce, plus perfectly toasted garlic bread.
My mom and I watched the sunset while sipping tropical cocktails, and it was just magical.
However, Hiro’s Ohana Grill closed in July 2025 after eight years. The hotel was sold to new owners in August 2025, and they’re running the restaurant under new management now.
I haven’t tried the new restaurant yet, so I can’t personally vouch for it. But the hotel still has on-site dining, which is huge for Molokai since restaurant options are pretty limited on the island.
The Pool
There’s a small pool area with plenty of lounge chairs. The water was cold when we visited in May (spring in Hawaii can still be chilly!), but it was perfect for cooling off your feet.
My mom sat in one of the lounge chairs and said it wasn’t super comfortable, but honestly, I spent most of my time in the hammocks anyway.
Those Amazing Hammocks
Can we talk about the hammocks for a second? They’re EVERYWHERE at Hotel Molokai. We had one right outside our room, and there are more scattered throughout the property and along the beach.
I spent so much time just swaying in those hammocks, reading, and listening to the ocean. It was exactly the slow-down vacation I needed.
The Beach Situation
Hotel Molokai is right next to the beach, and there’s a little path down to the sand. I’ll be honest: it’s not the cleanest or most swimmable beach on Molokai. But it’s still beautiful to walk along, and the views across to Lanai are gorgeous.
If you want better swimming beaches, you’ll need to drive to places like Murphy’s Beach (about 20 miles east) or Papohaku Beach on the west side.
Other Things Worth Mentioning
Tour Desk: There’s an activity desk in the lobby where you can book tours and get help planning your days. Super helpful!
Laundry: They have a small outdoor laundry area. It’s tiny (just a couple washers and dryers), but perfect for when you need it. You can toss in a load and then head to dinner or the pool.
Gift Shop: The on-site shop sells snacks, drinks, and locally made gifts. We picked up some dried apple bananas that were amazing.
Business Center: They have the cutest little outdoor business center with a computer if you need it.
Parking: Free parking, and we never had trouble finding a spot. Even when we went out for Molokai Hot Bread and came back around 9 p.m., there was plenty of space.
Things to Do Near Hotel Molokai
The hotel is perfectly located for exploring the island. We were just a few minutes from downtown Kaunakakai, which made it easy to grab groceries and check out local shops.
We did a day trip to the Molokai Plumeria Farm, which was absolutely stunning. If you love flowers or want to learn how plumeria is grown, this is a must-see.
The drive to Halawa Valley and the east end is also doable from this location. We spent one day exploring that side of the island, and the scenery was incredible.
If you’re interested in tours or activities, check out options on Viator or GetYourGuide to book in advance.
Would I Recommend Hotel Molokai?
Absolutely. I’m already dreaming about when I can bring my husband and kids back.
Here’s why I loved it: Hotel Molokai gave us exactly what we were looking for on Molokai. It was quiet, peaceful, and unpretentious.
After 40+ visits to Hawaii as a professional tourist, I can tell you that sometimes the best experiences are the ones where you just slow down and enjoy island life without all the resort bells and whistles.
The setup is perfect for families traveling together who want their own space but also places to hang out. Multiple rooms near each other, hammocks to lounge in together, a pool for the kids, and that incredible oceanfront setting.
Yes, it’s a little rustic. Yes, you might see some bugs. But that’s Molokai. If you’re looking for a polished resort experience, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for authentic island vibes where you can truly unwind, Hotel Molokai is perfect.
The central location makes it super easy to explore the whole island. We’d head out for adventures during the day and come back to our little beachfront bungalow to relax in the hammock and watch the sunset.
As a Hawaii travel expert who specializes in family trips, I can honestly say Hotel Molokai is a great choice for families who want to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Hawaii.
Book Hotel Molokai on Expedia or check rates on Booking.com.
Planning Your Molokai Trip
If you’re putting together a Molokai vacation, here are a few resources that might help:
Looking for budget-friendly options? Check out my guide to the cheapest places to stay on Molokai.
Wondering which Hawaiian island is right for you? My Hawaii Island Hopping Guide breaks down what makes each island unique.
I also cover Molokai travel tips in my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. It’s perfect for listening to while you’re planning your trip.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the planning, that’s exactly why I created my free 5-day email course on how to travel to Hawaii like a pro. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Final Thoughts on Hotel Molokai
I fell in love with Molokai during this trip. There’s something really special about an island that doesn’t have traffic lights, where locals still wave to you, and where the biggest decision of your day is which hammock to nap in.
Hotel Molokai was the perfect home base for that experience. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s real, it’s peaceful, and it’s exactly what Molokai is all about.
Next time, I’m bringing my whole family. The kids will love the pool and the hammocks, my husband will appreciate the kitchenette (snacks on demand!), and I know we’ll all love those Molokai sunsets from the beach.
If you’re ready to experience Hawaii’s most peaceful island, Hotel Molokai is waiting for you.
Have questions about planning a Molokai trip? Want help figuring out if this is the right island for your family? Let’s chat through a travel consultation, and I’ll help you plan the perfect Hawaii vacation.
Looking for more Moloka’i Travel Resources? Find out the cheapest places to stay on Moloka’i.
